Benfica vs CF Os Belenenses

Benfica started with intent and took the lead after just two minutes. Anísio Cabral finished a flowing team move initiated by João Rego and João Neto, slotting past the Belenenses goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

The Eagles controlled possession and created several chances, with Prestianni particularly lively. But Belenenses struck against the run of play in the 33rd minute: Bruninho capitalised on a Rui Silva error to level the score at 1-1.

Benfica responded immediately. Filip Ivanović restored the lead from the penalty spot in the 38th minute after a foul in the box. Then, just before half-time, Gianluca Prestianni pounced on a defensive mistake by Belenenses to make it 3-1 at the break.

Marco Silva rang the changes for the second half, and one substitution had an instant impact. Jhon Durán, making his first appearance in a Benfica shirt, needed only eight minutes on the pitch. In the 54th minute, he scored the fourth goal, converting a cross from Olívio Tomé. Two minutes later, Durán turned provider, setting up Prestianni for his second of the match to round out the 5-1 scoreline in the 55th minute.

Bruninho's equaliser in the 33rd minute could have unsettled Benfica, especially less than 24 hours after a disappointing European defeat. Instead, the response was emphatic: three goals in 17 minutes either side of half-time, anchored by Ivanović's composed penalty and Prestianni's quickfire double. The introduction of Durán at the interval changed the dynamic of the attack, giving Benfica a focal point that Belenenses could not handle.

Gianluca Prestianni — Two goals (45', 55'), constant menace on the flanks, and the standout player on the pitch. His movement off the ball caused Belenenses problems throughout.

Jhon Durán — A debut to remember. The Colombian striker scored once (54') and assisted Prestianni's second (55') within eight minutes of entering the fray. His physical presence and sharp finishing offered a glimpse of what he brings to Marco Silva's attack.

Anísio Cabral — Opened the scoring inside two minutes and linked well with the midfield. A bright start from the young forward.

Player of the Match: Gianluca Prestianni

The 5-1 scoreline tells a clear story of dominance after a momentary wobble. Benfica scored three goals in a 17-minute window (38'–55') that effectively ended the contest. The first-half xG advantage was likely modest given the Belenenses equaliser, but the second-half introduction of Durán tilted the balance decisively — Benfica scored twice within two minutes of his arrival. The 3-1 half-time score reflected the Eagles' superior quality, and the 5-1 final margin underscored the gulf in depth between a Primeira Liga side and a Liga 3 opponent.

The friendly came less than 24 hours after Benfica's 2-1 loss to St. Gallen in the first leg of the Europa League second qualifying round on 23 July. Marco Silva used the match to rotate his squad, hand minutes to academy prospects, and integrate new signings. The result provides a confidence boost ahead of the crucial second leg against St. Gallen on 30 July at Estádio da Luz, where Benfica will need to overturn a one-goal deficit. For Belenenses, the match served as valuable preparation for the upcoming Liga 3 season.

Next fixtures: Benfica host St. Gallen on 30 July (Europa League second qualifying round, second leg). Belenenses continue their pre-season schedule ahead of the Liga 3 campaign.

A predictable but necessary result for Benfica. The scoreline was never in doubt after the early goal, and the quick response to Belenenses' equaliser showed the right mentality. The real takeaway was Durán's sharp cameo — if he replicates that impact in competitive matches, Benfica's attack has a new dimension. Prestianni's brace was the headline, but the Colombian's debut was the subplot that matters most for the season ahead.